Sebastian Vettel comments on Riccardo Adami amid confirmation as Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari race engineer
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Lewis Hamilton's much-anticipated debut with Ferrari is fast approaching, and the seven-time world champion will need the collective expertise of Maranello's workforce to make the 2025 F1 season a resounding success.
Ferrari came tantalizingly close to securing their first Constructors' Championship since 2006 last season. Despite strong performances from Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, the Scuderia fell short, with Lando Norris clinching victory in the season finale at Abu Dhabi. Now, it falls to Hamilton to elevate Ferrari's efforts, building on what Sainz contributed last year and aiming for an even greater impact.
A driver of Hamilton's caliber will undoubtedly aim not only to surpass Carlos Sainz's achievements from 2024 but also to challenge Charles Leclerc for the position of Ferrari's lead driver. As he transitions to the Scuderia, Lewis Hamilton will look to replicate the elements of his partnership with Mercedes that made him one of the most successful drivers in Formula 1 history.
One of the cornerstones of Lewis Hamilton's success at Mercedes was his partnership with race engineer Peter Bonnington. The duo shared countless victories and emotional milestones, including a heartfelt moment at Silverstone in 2024 when Hamilton claimed what became his penultimate win for the Silver Arrows, inheriting victory at Spa later that season.
However, Pete Bonnington will not be joining the seven-time F1 world champion at the Maranello team. Instead, according to a report from the Italian daily newspaper *Gazzetta dello Sport*, Lewis Hamilton will work with Riccardo Adami as his new race engineer.
Riccardo Adami to become Lewis Hamilton's race engineer at Ferrari
The *Gazzetta* report confirms that Hamilton will not have Pete Bonnington by his side for the first time since his McLaren days. Riccardo Adami, an experienced engineer, is set to step into the role, bringing a wealth of expertise to the partnership.
Riccardo Adami has previously worked with Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz, gaining a reputation for his ability to manage race strategies effectively. He has often praised Carlos Sainz for his strategic insights, with the Spaniard renowned for making crucial calls from the cockpit to optimize results.
The British driver’s extensive experience and tactical acumen should complement Riccardo Adami's strengths, making them a potentially formidable duo. Ferrari, however, must address their long-standing strategy issues, which have cost Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz valuable results in the past. With the 2025 field expected to be more competitive than ever, those fine margins could decide races—and perhaps championships.
The British driver and Riccardo Adami's collaboration represents a critical piece of Ferrari's quest for glory, as the team aims to overcome recent shortcomings and return to the pinnacle of Formula 1.
In the past, Lewis Hamilton has emphasized the significance of his relationship with his race engineers, explaining that it is crucial to have someone he can trust and noting that he can quickly determine whether the partnership will be successful.
Sebastian Vettel spoke highly of Riccardo Adami during their collaborative years at Ferrari. Known for his meticulous approach and engineering prowess, Adami left a lasting impression on Vettel, earning his respect and admiration.
Hamilton, preparing for his debut season with Ferrari, has already sought Vettel's insights regarding Adami and reportedly received glowing feedback. The former Ferrari driver highlighted Adami's strategic acumen and professionalism, leaving Hamilton encouraged about the prospect of working alongside him.
While Carlos Sainz may not feel inclined to go out of his way to assist Hamilton after being replaced by the seven-time world champion, it's likely he would echo similar sentiments about Riccardo Adami. The Spaniard himself has previously praised the engineer for his ability to interpret race data and implement effective strategies, qualities that have undoubtedly contributed to Riccardo Adami's reputation within the paddock.
In a 2020 interview with Corriere della Sera, Sebastian Vettel was asked about the possibility of bringing Riccardo Adami with him to Aston Martin following his departure from Ferrari, where he had been replaced by Carlos Sainz. The question underscored the significance of Adami's role in the German driver’s success during their time together at Maranello.
The four-time Formula 1 world champion expressed his belief that Riccardo Adami would remain at Ferrari, describing him as a long-time friend and someone who embodies the core values of the team. He remarked that Ferrari’s uniqueness as a brand is largely due to individuals like Adami working in Maranello.
Having a race engineer deeply familiar with the ethos and culture of the Ferrari family will be an invaluable asset for Hamilton as he embarks on this new chapter of his career.
The dynamic between Hamilton and his engineer will play a pivotal role in determining the success of his tenure with the Scuderia, shaping his ability to deliver results and connect with the passionate Tifosi.
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